South Africa vs Canada Predictions & Tips - Tight World Cup Knockout Clash Expected

I have my stake on the Africans to avoid a 90-minute defeat, while a low-scoring outcome also seems likely.

South Africa secured their place in the round of 32 with a memorable 1-0 win against South Korea in their final Group A fixture. Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute goal ensured a historic first-ever qualification to the knockout phase.

Bafana Bafana were worthy winners despite registering just 32% possession. The African qualifiers finished with more efforts on goal (13-8) and a higher xG (1.16 to 0.9).

Hugo Broos’s side had been odds-on to suffer a first-round elimination after taking just one point from their first two fixtures.

South Africa began with a 2-0 defeat against Mexico, a match in which they were reduced to nine men, before battling to a 1-1 draw against Czechia.

Since that frustrating opening defeat, Bafana Bafana have shown plenty of grit and quality in subsequent fixtures against the Czechs and South Korea.

Over the past year, Broos’s tough-to-beat side have lost just four of 20 matches.

Canada make the trip to California after giving up home advantage with a 2-1 defeat against Switzerland in Vancouver. A late goal from Promise David proved consolation only for the Red and Whites.

In a shootout for top spot, a point would have kept the Canadians in Canada for the round of 32. Instead, Jesse Marsch’s side now arrive at SoFi Stadium looking to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

A lack of quality in the final third was again an issue for Canada. The co-hosts registered only six efforts as the Swiss emerged with a well-deserved win at BC Place.

Canadian bluntness in the forward areas is not a new issue. Canada failed to score more than one goal in nine of their last 13 internationals. 

The Qatar thrashing aside, the Red and Whites have averaged less than a goal per game across 12 matches played since September 2025.

Jesse Marsch’s inconsistent side secured qualification for the knock-out phase despite failing to win two of three Group B fixtures. Over a longer period, Canada have struggled to find much winning form. Marsch’s men failed to win four of their last six competitive fixtures and three of their four most recent encounters. 

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine

Defenders: Siyanda Xulu, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thabo Moloisane

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha, Themba Zwane, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Jayden Adams, Iqraam Rayners

Forwards: Lyle Foster, Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi, Mohau Nkota, Thapelo Maseko

South Africa boss Hugo Broos is expected to make at least one change for Sunday’s knockout tie. Teboho Mokoena is available again after suspension and should return to the midfield. 

Themba Zwane remains absent due to his extended ban, while Lyle Foster is expected to lead the line for Bafana Bafana.

Goalkeepers: Dayne St Clair, Maxime Crepeau, Owen Goodman

Defenders: Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, Moise Bombito, Joel Waterman, Richie Laryea, Luc de Fougerolles, Kamal Miller, Sam Adekugbe, Alphonso Davies

Midfielders: Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone, Jonathan Osorio, Mathieu Choiniere, Ali Ahmed, Nathan Saliba, Niko Sigur, Tajon Buchanan

Forwards: Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tani Oluwaseyi, Promise David, Jacob Shaffelburg, Liam Millar, Theo Bair

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has a few fitness concerns before Sunday’s round of 32 clash. Captain Alphonso Davies could feature after Marsch confirmed his availability this weekend.

Alfie Jones is ruled out with a thigh injury, while Ismael Kone is unavailable after suffering a broken ankle against Qatar. Stephen Eustaquio also faces a late fitness test.